Collectible display case

ABSTRACT

A case for storing collectibles (each having a standard height and a standard width). The case includes a foam layer with openings. The width (and, optionally, height) of each opening is equal to or less than the standard width (and, optionally, standard height) of the collectible (such that the collectible is held in the opening by a friction fit). The foam layer is pliable to allow collectibles to be inserted into each opening. In some embodiments, the case may include a base and lid and handle for carrying the case. In some of those embodiments, the lid may include a transparent display window for viewing the collectibles. In other embodiments, the case may include a front facing layer and side panels. In any of the aforementioned embodiments, the case may include attachment mechanisms allowing the case to be hung on a wall.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Prov. Pat. Appl. No. 62/867,281, filed Jun. 27, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Collectibles are often stored on a shelving, made of plastic or wood, so that the collectible may be viewed by the collector. However, typical shelving does not protect collectibles from dust and damage from ultraviolet (UV) light or accidental dropping. At the same time, collectibles are often transported, for example to trading events, and then displayed at those events. Collectors typically transport collectibles in bags or boxes. Again, those collectibles are not protected from accidental damage unless the collector takes the type to wrap individually wrap each collectible in protective material.

Accordingly, there is a need for devices that protect collectibles while those collectibles are stored, displayed, and/or transported. Meanwhile, some collectibles have a standard height and a standard width. For instance, Funko POP! vinyl figurines come in standard-sized boxes that identify the figurine and allow collectors to view the figurines through a transparent portion of the original, standard-sized box. Accordingly, devices may be specifically designed to protect collectibles of a standard size while those collectibles are stored, displayed, and transported.

SUMMARY

In view of those shortcomings of existing shelves and boxes, a case for storing collectibles (each having a standard height and a standard width) is provided. The case includes a foam layer with openings. The width of each opening is equal to or less than the standard width of the collectible (such that the collectible is held in the opening by a friction fit). Additionally, the height of each opening may be equal to or less than the standard height of the collectible. However, the foam layer may be pliable to allow collectibles to be inserted into each opening.

In some embodiments, the case may include a base and lid and handle for carrying the case. In some of those embodiments, the lid may include a transparent display window for viewing the collectibles. In other embodiments, the case may include a front facing layer and side panels. In any of the aforementioned embodiments, the case may include attachment mechanisms allowing the case to be hung on a wall.

Also provided is a transparent collectible protector. Each collectible protector is sized to receive one of the aforementioned collectibles. The collectible protector protects the collectible from dust and/or ultraviolet (UV) light. Because the foam layer of the disclosed cases is pliable, a standard-sized collectible may be inserted into an opening of one of the disclosed cases while inside the disclosed collectible protector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. It is to be understood that the drawings illustrate only some examples of the disclosure and other examples or combinations of various examples that are not specifically illustrated in the figures may still fall within the scope of this disclosure. Examples will now be described with additional detail through the use of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a view of a collectible protector according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 1B is another view of the collectible protector of FIG. 1A according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 1C is another view of the collectible protector of FIGS. 1A-1B according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a view of a collectible display case according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2B is another view of the collectible display case of FIG. 2A according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2C is another view of the collectible display case of FIGS. 2A-2B according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a view of a collectible carrying case according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3B is another view of the collectible carrying case of FIG. 3A according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3C is another view of the collectible carrying case of FIGS. 3A-3B according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3D is another view of the collectible carrying case of FIGS. 3A-3C according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a view of a collectible carrying case with two openings for two collectibles according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a view of a collectible display case according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5B is another view of the collectible display case of FIG. 5A according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5C is another view of the collectible display case of FIGS. 5A-5B according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5D is another view of the collectible display case of FIGS. 5A-5C according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5E is another view of the collectible display case of FIGS. 5A-5D according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 5F is another view of the collectible display case of FIGS. 5A-5E according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the illustrative, non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. Like numbers are used throughout to refer to like elements. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected. Instead, it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Several embodiments are described for illustrative purposes, it being understood that the description and claims are not limited to the illustrated embodiments and other embodiments not specifically shown in the drawings may also be within the scope of this disclosure.

FIGS. 1A through 1C are views of a collectible protector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the collectible protector 100 has a front side 112, a back side 113, a left side 114, a right side 115, a top 116 and a bottom 117, which collectively define an interior space. The bottom 117 may be auto locking. The top 116 may be flat to allow multiple collectible protectors 100 to be stacked. The top may include a tab 118. The collectible protector 100 may include locations, such as on the top 116 or the tab 118, for embossed information.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the size of the collectible protector 100 is designed specifically to be slightly larger than a collectible 150, such as a Funko POP! vinyl figurine, which is contained in a rectangular box, so that the collectible 150 is received in the interior space of the protector 100. The collectible protector 100 is transparent so that the user can see the collectible 150 as the collectible 150 is stored in and protected by the collectible protector 100. For example, the collectible protector 100 may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. The collectible protector 100 may also be scratch resistant and resistant to ultraviolet (UV) light. The collectible protector 100 make have extra strong edges for added durability.

The top 116 may be connected to the front side 112 such that the tab 118 abuts the back side 113 when the collectible protector 100 is closed. Therefore, the user can view the collectible 150 through the front side 112 unobstructed by the tab 118.

FIGS. 2A through 2C are views of a collectible display case 200 according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the collectible display case 200 is made of a foam layer 250 and has a front facing layer 240. The foam layer 250 may be ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. The foam layer 254 includes one or more cutouts (i.e., openings 254). The openings 254 can be square or rectangular in shape having a height H and a width W. As shown in FIG. 2B, the collectible display case 200 has a front 212 and a back 213. One or more attachment mechanisms (e.g., hooks, rings, picture hangers, sawtooth hangers, etc.) that allow the collectible display case 200 to be mounted on a wall can be fixedly attached to the back 213 of the collectible display case 200.

As further shown in FIG. 2B, the height H and width W of the openings 254 are such that each opening 254 receives and holds a collectible 150 using a friction fit. In other words, the width W of the openings 254 is such that, when a collectible 150 is inside one of the openings 254, the sides of the opening 254 make contact with the sides of the collectible 150. The opening 254 then holds the collectible 150 in place, even if the depth of each opening 254 is less than the depth of the collectible 150 (such that the collectible 150 cantilevers out from the collectible display case 200). In order for the sides of the opening 254 to make contact with the sides of the collectible 150, the width W of the openings 254 may be equal to or less than the width of the collectible 150 (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, a Funko POP! vinyl figurine in the original box). However, because the foam layer 250 is pliable, the collectibles 150 may still be inserted into the openings 254 by the user. Additionally, the height H of the openings 254 may be such that, when a collectible 150 is inside one of the openings 254, the top of the opening 254 make contact with the top of the collectible 150 (in addition to the bottom of the opening 254 making contact with the bottom of the collectible 150). Therefore, the height H of the openings 254 may be equal to or less than the height of the collectible 150.

Additionally, because of the pliability of the foam layer 250, a collectible 150 that is inside the collectible protector 100 may be inserted into and stored in one the openings 254. The collectible protector 100 can extend outward from the front surface of the front 212, though in other embodiments the protector 100 can be substantially flush or recessed with respect to the front surface. In addition, a locking mechanism, such as a latch or arm, can be provided to lock the collectible protector 100 in the opening 254. The locking mechanism can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking mechanism at least partially blocks the opening 254 or the collectible 150 or protector 100, to prevent the collectible 150 or protector 100 from inadvertently falling out of the opening 254.

FIG. 2C is a close-up view of the collectible display case 200, including the facing layer 240, the foam layer 250 (and opening 254), and one of the side panels 260. The collectible display case 200 may have any number of openings 254. The collectible display case 200 may be modular and allow multiple collectible display cases 200 to be stacked on top of one another or placed side-by-side. The collectible display cases 200 may be configured to provide specific (e.g., branded) attachments such as a textured laminate front facing layer 240, lights, a display window, pins, etc. The openings 254 can be arranged in rows and columns, though any suitable arrangement pattern can be provided, to display the collectibles 150 in a front facing position.

Unlike plastic or wood shelving, the foam layer 250 of the collectible display case 200 holds the collectible 150 snuggly in place while the collectible 150 is stored, protected, and displayed. The collectible display case 200 is light weight (as the foam layer 250, side panels 260, and front facing layer 240 are all lightweight materials).

FIGS. 3A through 3D are views of a collectible carrying case 300 according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the collectible carrying case 300 has a base 320 and a lid 310, each of which have a inner side that define an interior space, and an exterior side or back. The lid 310 may include foam padding 314 at the inside of the lid 310. Hinges 316 connect the lid 310 and the base 320 allowing the lid 310 to open and close. Both the base 320 and the lid 310 may have ribbed aluminum paneling 360 and aluminum reinforced edges 364. The collectible carrying case 300 may include one or more latches 390 to keep the lid 310 closed and a handle 380 to allow the user to carry the collectible carrying case 300. The base 320 includes a support, here shown as a foam layer 350. The foam layer 350 may be ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. The foam layer 350 includes openings 354 that form barriers between the openings 354. The foam layer 350 and foam padding 314 protect the collectibles against damage, such as by preventing them from sliding around inside the carrying case and contacting one another and from contacting the inside surface of the lid 310 during transport. The foam layer 350 also cushions the collectibles during transport and absorbs sudden movements such as if the case is dropped.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the openings 354 of the foam layer 350 are sized to receive a collectible 150 (inside the collectible protector 100) and hold the collectible 150 (and collectible protector 100) in place. Similar to the openings 254 of the foam layer 250 of the collectible display case 200, the sides (and, optionally, the top and bottom) of the openings 354 of the foam layer 350 of the collectible carrying case 300 make contact with the sides (and, optionally, the top and bottom) of the collectible 150 (in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, a Funko POP! vinyl figurine in the original box). However, because the foam layer 350 is pliable, the collectibles 150 may still be inserted into the openings 354 by the user. Additionally, because of the pliability of the foam layer 350, a collectible 150 that is inside the collectible protector 100 may be inserted into and stored in one the openings 354.

As shown in FIG. 3D, the lid 310 has a location for text, such as a logo. The latches 390 keep the lid 310 closed and the handle 380 allows the user to carry the collectible carrying case 300. The collectible carrying case 300 can be any size with any number of openings 354. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D and described above, the collectible carrying case 300 may have six openings 354 for storing and protecting six collectibles 150.

Unlike other bags and carrying cases, the collectible carrying case 300 has a foam layer 350 (and foam padding 314) with openings 354 specifically sized to store and protect a collectible 150 as the collectible 150 is transported.

FIG. 4 is a view of a collectible carrying case 400 with two openings 354 for two collectibles 150 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the collectible carrying case 400 has a base 420 and a lid 410. Hinges 316 connect the lid 410 and the base 420 allowing the lid 410 to open and close. Similar to the lid 310 of the collectible carrying case 300, the lid 410 has foam padding 314. Similar to the base 320 of the collectible carrying case 300, the base 320 includes a foam layer 450 with openings 354 that are sized to receive and hold a collectible 150 (in this embodiment, a Funko POP! vinyl figurine in the original box) inside a collectible protector 100. In this instance, the foam layer 450 includes two openings 354.

FIGS. 5A through 5F are views of a collectible display case 500 according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the collectible display case 500 has a base 520 and a lid 510. Hinges 316 connect the lid 510 and the base 320 allowing the lid 510 to open and close. In contrast to the lids 310 and 410 of the collectible carrying cases 300 and 400, the lid 510 includes a transparent display window 518. The display window 518 may be scratch resistant coated acrylic. The base 320 and lid 510 form an interior space that receive the foam layer 360

Like the collectible carrying case 300, both the base 320 and the lid 510 of the collectible display case 500 may have ribbed aluminum paneling 360 and aluminum reinforced edges 364. The collectible display case 500 may include one or more latches 390 to keep the lid 510 closed and a handle 380 to allow the user to carry the collectible display case 500. The base 320 of the collectible display case 500 includes a foam layer 350. The foam layer 350 may be ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. The foam layer 350 includes openings 354.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the openings 354 of the foam layer 350 are visible through the display window 518. As shown in FIG. 5C, the openings 354 of the foam layer 350 are sized to receive a collectible 150 and make contact with the sides (and, optionally, the top and bottom) of the sides (and, optionally, the top and bottom) of the collectible 150. Because the foam layer 350 is pliable, the collectibles 150 may still be inserted into the openings 354 by the user. Additionally, because of the pliability of the foam layer 350, a collectible 150 that is inside the collectible protector 100 may be inserted into and stored in one the openings 354.

As shown in FIG. 5D, the collectibles 150 are visible through the display window 518 and the collectible protectors 100. The display window 518 may be coated to protect against ultraviolet (UV) light protection. The display window 518 may be shatterproof. The display window 518 may provide space for a logo 512. The display window 518 may extend nearly the entire length and width of the lid 510, allowing the user to see all of the collectibles 150 contained within, while leaving only a small bezel 512 around the outside of the display window 518. The display window 518 may be recessed from the bezel 512 to protect the display window 518 from damage if the collectible display case 500 is dropped. While a transparent display window 518 is only shown on the front, it is recognized that a transparent display window 518 can be utilized for other sides of the collectible display case 500, such as the rear, sides, top and/or bottom. In those embodiments, the interior foam layer 350 can be cut accordingly to show those respective sides of the collectible 150.

As shown in FIG. 5E, the collectible display case 500 may also include one or more attachment mechanisms 570 on the back side of the base 320. For example, the attachment mechanisms 570 may be a hook, ring, picture hanger, or sawtooth hanger (as shown), and are fixedly attached to the back of the collectible display case 500. As shown in FIG. 5F, the mechanisms 570 allow the collectible display case 500 to be hung on a wall 501 to both display and protect the collectibles 150. Thus, the collectibles can be displayed with the case closed, i.e., with the lid 510 in the closed position, and the case can be removably mounted to the wall 501 by the attachment mechanisms 570 for further display. It is further noted that the attachment mechanisms 570 can also be utilized with the case 300 of FIG. 3A, with the attachment mechanisms 570 placed on the back of the base 320 at the top (opposite the hinges 316) to display the collectibles in when the case 300 is in the opened position.

Unlike plastic or wood shelving (or bags or other carrying cases), the foam layer 350 of the collectible display case 500 holds the collectible 150 (in this embodiment, a Funko POP! vinyl figurine in the original box) snuggly in place while the collectible 150 is stored, protected, displayed, and transported.

It is further noted that other embodiments are possible. For example, the collectible display cases 200, 300, 500 can include interior and/or exterior lights to illuminate the collectible 150 when the collectible display case 300, 500 is opened and/or closed. For example, lights can be positioned about the collectibles such as at the openings, or at the top 310 of the case facing the collectibles. The collectible display case 500 (or 400 or 300) and/or the collectible protector 100 may form an airtight and liquid-tight seal when closed to protect the collectible 150. The collectible protector 100 may include strengthening ribs to further protect the collectible 150. The foam layer 350 (or 250) may be sealed to prevent foam particles from coming loose and attaching to the collectible 150 or the collectible protector 100.

It is noted that the drawings may illustrate, and the description and claims may use geometric or relational terms, such as right, left, side, top, bottom, rectangular, back. These terms are not intended to limit the disclosure and, in general, are used for convenience to facilitate the description based on the examples shown in the figures.

The foregoing description and drawings should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure, which may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not intended to be limited by the embodiment herein described. Numerous applications of the disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the specific examples disclosed or the exact construction and operation shown and described. Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A case for storing collectibles each having a standard height and a standard width, the case comprising: a lid; a base; and a foam layer comprising a plurality of openings each having a height and a width, the width of each of the plurality of openings being equal to or less than the standard width of the collectible such that the collectible is held in the opening by a friction fit when placed within the opening.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein the height of each of the plurality of openings is equal to or less than the standard height of the collectible.
 3. The case of claim 1, wherein the foam layer is pliable to allow the collectibles to be inserted into each of the plurality of openings.
 4. The case of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a transparent display window allowing the collectibles inside the openings to be viewed from outside the case.
 5. The case of claim 4, wherein the base has a back, and further comprising one or more attachment mechanisms mounted to the back of the base, the one or more attachment mechanisms allowing the case to be hung on a wall.
 6. The case of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises foam padding.
 7. The case of claim 1, further comprising one or more latches to secure the lid to the base.
 8. The case of claim 1, further comprising a handle for carrying the case.
 9. A case for storing collectibles each having a standard height and a standard width, the case comprising: a front facing layer; side panels; and a foam layer comprising a plurality of openings each having a height and a width, the width of each of the plurality of openings being equal to or less than the standard width of the collectible such that the collectible is held in the opening by a friction fit when placed within the opening.
 10. The case of claim 9, wherein the height of each of the plurality of openings is equal to or less than the standard height of the collectible.
 11. The case of claim 9, wherein the foam layer is pliable to allow the collectibles to be inserted into each of the plurality of openings.
 12. The case of claim 9, wherein: the collectibles have a standard depth; each of the plurality of openings have a depth that is less than the standard depth of the collectibles such that each collectible cantilevers out of the case when placed into one of the plurality of openings.
 13. The case of claim 9, further comprising one or more attachment mechanisms allowing the case to be hung on a wall.
 14. A method of making a case for storing collectibles each having a standard height and a standard width, the method comprising: providing a base; attaching a lid to the base via hinges; and inserting a foam layer inside the base, the foam layer comprising a plurality of openings each having a height and a width, the width of each of the plurality of openings being equal to or less than the standard width of the collectible such that the collectible is held in the opening by a friction fit when placed within the opening
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the height of each of the plurality of openings is equal to or less than the standard height of the collectible.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the foam layer is pliable to allow the collectibles to be inserted into each of the plurality of openings.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the lid comprises a transparent display window allowing the collectibles inside the openings to be viewed from outside the case.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: attaching one or more attachment mechanisms to the base, the attachment mechanisms enabling the case to be hung on a wall.
 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising: attaching one or more latches to the base and the lid, the one or more latches providing functionality to secure the lid to the base.
 20. The method of claim 14, further comprising: attaching a handle to the base, the handle providing functionality to carry the case. 